The excuses really are laughable. Dawn Staley had to create excitement and tradition at a school that never had any of that. If Dawn had taken over here, she would have been able to utilize everything that was already in place…such as tradition, top notch facilities and the LV name. A good to great coach should be able to take this program and hit the ground running in recruiting. A so-so coach would have to prove themselves to players and coaches in the high school ranks.
Also, the idea that if you question what is going on over there, means you are a troll and not a true LV fan is ridiculous! That’s BS! If you aren’t questioning what is going on, I would question your fandom. If you were around when Pat had it rolling, then you should question how the mighty have fallen so fast. This program should recruit itself. All a competent coach needs to do is have the name recognition to get her foot in the door and get the right player excited and it would be rolling again. Instead, we are recruiting the overachieving 4 star players and expecting to compete with the heavyweights. Not happening! In fact, the longer we recruit these second tier recruits, it will be even harder to ever get back to where we should be. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A STAR! It can’t be a team full of complimentary players! You need an alpha! A Chamique…a Candace…those players would most likely not come to play for Coach Harper.
Talked to some former players who played D1. How they decided which school to play for. It’s not just one reason and more complex than most of you realize.
1. Playing Time
2. Tradition
3. Coaching: System, religious beliefs, chemistry, race, gender, early relationship established. For example, Keyen Green said she wanted to play for a strong female coach: Harper. Many players won’t play for coaches who aren’t Christian.
4. The gossip mill. Includes players who have transferred and coaches. Geno and Westbrook prime examples.
5. Meeting current players.
6. Coaching changes: Recruits generally need a head coach and staff to be established for at least five years.
7. Dating: Weird, but true.
8. Game day atmosphere: Horston explained that TBA is a
terrific venue for playing.
9. Food: Weird, but also true. These are 17 year old girls.
10. Success of Lady Vols post-program: WNBA, announcing, etc.
11. Parents’ wishes: Holdsclaw’s grandmother fell asleep, literally, when Geno visited Holdsclaw’s home. Her mother adored Pat and DeMoss. Holdsclaw wasn’t sure about playing in a southern state, but between coaches and her grandmother’s preference, she came to UT.
12. Family members’ alma mater
13. How hard they were recruited
14. Facilities
15. Brand, especially with NIL: Lady Vols. What more can I say? Athletic department is on top of this
16. Degree programs
17. Location, including distance from home